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Planning board removes 74‑year plat notes to allow accessory dwelling over garage
Summary
The Anchorage Planning Board approved removal of two historic plat notes on June 17, clearing the way for an accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage; staff said current Title 21 protections substitute for the old restrictions and no reviewing agencies or public commenters objected.
The Anchorage Planning Board voted June 17 to remove two plat notes that had restricted development on a Wentworth subdivision lot, allowing the property owner to build an accessory dwelling unit above an existing garage.
Staff told the board the plat notes (Platte notes 3 and 9) date back to a 1954 plan and that Title 21’s current dimensional and use standards apply to the property. The staff report concluded the removal met the criteria in AMC Title 21 and recommended approval subject to the conditions listed on Page 3 of the staff report.
The petitioner, who identified themself in the record as "Bronze," said they acquired and rehabilitated the property in 2020 and that the unit has been fully occupied; they asked to exercise the right to construct over the garage. No members of the public testified in opposition during the hearing.
President Kevin Cross noted the plat note is 74 years old and said the Assembly is considering automatic expiration of plat notes after 50 years to avoid delays and expense caused by obsolete restrictions. Board members said they found no evidence in the record of adverse impacts to neighboring properties and that reviewing agencies had no objections.
Mr. Jones moved approval, Mr. Mirka seconded, and the motion passed. The board’s action notes that equivalent protections now exist under Title 21 and that the plat notes’ original purpose has been superseded.
The board closed the public hearing and the removal will take effect subject to the conditions recorded in the staff report. An appeal of the decision must be filed in writing with the planning director within seven days of the board’s recorded decision under AMC procedures.
